June 2019
Rewards of DIY True craftsmanship is a magical endeavor, something to be admired and emulated – if that latter is an option. And it comes in multiple forms, the end result of whichever form chosen commonly terminates in a product of manifest superiority. The norm is always surpassed when a craftsman is at work. Pure art it is. I admit to a pronounced lack of craftsmanship talent. Still, that doesn’t stop me from trying. I build and tinker and fabricate and visualize, but the final production never shares the same stage as that one set up for Outdoors displays nurtured Today into being by the elite. Most projects by Tony Kinton don’t reach the hoped-for outcome I had imagined. However, I’m seldom dissuaded. I enjoy the effort and more often than not come up with something that will work as intended, will fit my misplaced sensitivity and fill a need. Since my mind is near always focused on the out-of-doors and various activities found there, most creating is done for use in those outside settings.
Something to do with camping or hiking or shooting or hunting. Things like that. Oh, I could have possibly purchased a product that would have filled a perceived need, but it would not have held the reverence of a like product that I actually made. Additionally, I am left handed, and many things I need are made wrong! Then surfaces a craftsmanship experiment. Consider a little twoshell carrier I constructed for a rifle. The rifle in question is a Ruger No. 1, a single shot. It is grand and thoroughly modern though built precariously close to an action type that is now more than 100 years old. There were options for the little rig when contemplating a shell holder, but I couldn’t find one made of leather that specifically fit the left-hand persuasion. I would make one. Some 5-ounce veg-tanned scraps were called into service. A pattern cut from poster board was the first step. Following that was leather trimming to make those rough pieces match the pattern. Then came the loops and sewing and installation of grommets through which a leather thong would run. Few tools were required, but there was a great deal of stitching and sore fingers. Dyed in dark brown, it is most functional. It puts the rims of two cartridges at my left fingertips so that
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I can slip one from the a plethora of crafts holder and slide it into people. Leather, furnian open chamber two ture, taxidermy, paintinches from my hand. ings, photography. We Didn’t make me a stopped by as many as skilled craftsman, but time would allow, but it did work perfectly. one held us inextricably And there is an in its glorious grasp: oversized haversack leather goods. reminiscent of 18th The one item that century long hunters. teased us unmercifully Though it fits that was a take-down shottimeframe supremely, gun case made of bison its use is not limited hide. It was magnificent to reenactments of with a price to match – Kinton uses this haversack for 18th century gatherings but also uses it antiquity. I use it on $595! We passed; but practically every time he goes hunting, practically every outwe did, upon returning camping or hiking. Photo by Tony Kinton. door excursion to carry home, order two bison a rain jacket, water bottle, small camera, shoulders on sale for $40 or so. With cell phone, gloves, fire kit and whatever the details of that high-dollar rig stuck else I might poke in there. I made it in our minds, we shall soon be the from double layers of canvas, dyed in proud owners of a bison-hide case walnut hulls and waterproofed (fully each for our over/under shotguns. waterproofed I must say) with beeswax. So, if you find yourself as I do and A heavy leather strap runs over the without knowledge of a given project, shoulder cross body for transport. I never has there been a better time to definitely could have bought a nylon learn. That marvelous invention of the bag to facilitate the same chores, but internet has instructions for doing just this one is far more special than any I about anything, and you will likely find could have purchased. some information about any project Friend Brian Robinson and I attend- you choose to undertake. Even if you ed the annual meeting of the Dallas don’t aspire to progress to the state of Safari Club a month or so back. It was expert craftsperson, you will probably a grand gathering filled with outfitters enjoy the making and can take pride in from around the world, outdoor gear what you do. Taking on a DIY project in untold amounts and a host of magacan be rewarding. zine/TV personalities. There was also Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. His latest book is “Rambling Through Pleasant Memories.” Visit www.tonykinton.com for more information. GUIDED TOURS / Tuesday - Saturday
HISTORIC SOULE SOULE’ STEAM WORKS W 1808 4th st - Downtown Meridian, eridian, MS Take a trip ba back to the age of steam w with a guided tour through America’s’s last la intact stteam engine factory.y. A belltt-driven machine shopp,, ir iron foundry,y, assembllyy shop and 1930’s 1930 office givess visitors a glimpse of how things were made in America.
guided tours i tues.-sat. i 9:300-11:00-1:30 GROUPS WELCOMED!
601-693-9905 IndustrialHeritageMuseuum.com FIRST WEEKEND OF NOVEMBER
FRI. & SAT. - Novv. 1 & 2,, 2019